CPU
GPU
EPYC 9655P
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 9655P
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
Why is EPYC 9655P better than Ryzen Threadripper 9980X?
The comparison between the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X and the EPYC 9655P showcases the two current peaks of AMD's workstation and server Zen 5 lines. The Threadripper 9980X is an HEDT flagship designed for extreme high-end workstations with 64 cores, offering the best balance of clock speeds and multi-threading. The EPYC 9655P is a server-focused single-socket powerhouse boasting 96 cores based on the same architecture.\n\nIn productivity, the EPYC 9655P wins in raw multi-threaded throughput, making it superior for massive compile jobs, data center virtualization, and high-density simulations that can scale across 96 cores. However, the Threadripper 9980X is optimized for a higher boost clock profile, making it a better choice for workstation users who need a mix of high core counts and snappy performance in less parallelized tasks like 3D modeling or video editing. The Threadripper platform also typically offers more user-facing flexibility for overclocking and I/O expansion in a desktop chassis.\n\nUltimately, the choice depends on your specific environment. The EPYC 9655P is the ultimate choice for high-density server racks or multi-threading specialists, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the definitive ultimate workstation CPU, providing a more balanced and accessible experience for the world's most demanding creative professionals.
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 9655P | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($7,958) | ✅ More affordable ($4,999) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Turin (2024) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Shimada Peak (2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 9655P | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+41%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($7,958) | ✅ More affordable ($4,999) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of EPYC 9655P and Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
EPYC 9655P
The EPYC 9655P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 October 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Turin (2024) architecture. It features 96 cores and 192 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 384 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 400 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 160,490 points. Launch price was $10,811.
Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 30 July 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Shimada Peak (2025) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: sTR5. Thermal design power (TDP): 350 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 142,069 points. Launch price was $4,999.
Processing Power
The EPYC 9655P packs 96 cores / 192 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X offers 64 cores / 128 threads — the EPYC 9655P has 32 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the EPYC 9655P versus 5.4 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X (base: 2.6 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The EPYC 9655P uses the Turin (2024) architecture (4 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses Shimada Peak (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9655P scores 160,490 against the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X's 142,069 — a 12.2% lead for the EPYC 9655P. Multi-core Geekbench: 24,287 vs 28,666 (16.5% advantage for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). L3 cache: 384 MB (total) on the EPYC 9655P vs 256 MB (total) on the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X.
| Feature | EPYC 9655P | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 96 / 192+50% | 64 / 128 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 5.4 GHz+20% |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3.2 GHz+23% |
| L3 Cache | 384 MB (total)+50% | 256 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 4 nm | 4 nm |
| Architecture | Turin (2024) | Shimada Peak (2025) |
| PassMark | 160,490+13% | 142,069 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 115,098 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 3,220 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 24,287 | 28,666+18% |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9655P uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses sTR5 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-6000 memory speed. The EPYC 9655P supports up to 6 TB of RAM compared to 1 TB — 142.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9655P) vs 4 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9655P) vs 80 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X) — the EPYC 9655P offers 48 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9655P) and sTR5,TRX50 (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X).
| Feature | EPYC 9655P | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | sTR5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-6000 | DDR5-6400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6 TB+500% | 1 TB |
| RAM Channels | 12+200% | 4 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+60% | 80 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: AMD-V, SEV-SNP (EPYC 9655P) vs AMD-V, SVM (Ryzen Threadripper 9980X). Primary use case: EPYC 9655P targets Data Center / Single Socket, Ryzen Threadripper 9980X targets HEDT / Enthusiast Workstation. Direct competitor: EPYC 9655P rivals Xeon 6979P; Ryzen Threadripper 9980X rivals Xeon w9-3495X.
| Feature | EPYC 9655P | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, SEV-SNP | AMD-V, SVM |
| Target Use | Data Center / Single Socket | HEDT / Enthusiast Workstation |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 9655P launched at $10811 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X debuted at $4999. At current prices ($7958 vs $4999), the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is $2959 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9655P delivers 20.2 pts/$ vs 28.4 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X — making the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X the 34% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9655P | Ryzen Threadripper 9980X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $10811 | $4999-54% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $7958 | $4999-37% |
| Performance per Dollar | 20.2 | 28.4+41% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2025 |
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